As Betfred Super League champions, Leeds Rhinos, prepare to take on NRL Premiers, Melbourne Storm Down Under this Friday, they can hopefully expect sweltering temperatures in what the Aussies call the ‘food obsessed’ city.

The lads from Leeds are taking part in the 2018 World Club Challenge. The exciting match – the first time that the Loiners will be playing for this title outside the UK – determines the best rugby league team in the world, hence the high motivation of both teams.

It is not the first time that the Rhinos and the Melbourne Storm have met – they did in three World Club Challenge deciders - however, it is the first time they have done so in Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria, located some 10,520 miles away from rainy Leeds.

As well as being food-obsessed, marvellously multicultural and a showpiece for Australian culture. Melbourne is renowned as Australia’s sports capital. The city plays host to some of the world’s best international sporting events, including the Australian Open Tennis, the Formula One Australian Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup, which is Australia’s number one horse race (and a public holiday in Victoria!).

Those lucky supporters who are visiting Melbourne this week should not miss the following top five attractions:

The AAMI Park: Melbourne’s premier rectangular stadium, home to this week’s final and to the Melbourne Storm. Its cutting-edge design free from pillars, walls and other support structures means visitors can enjoy unobstructed views.Melbourne’s laneways: A labyrinth of laneways can be found off the city’s grid of street. These are filled with quirky bars and restaurants, cool music venues and an ever-vibrant art scene. Hosier Lane and Rutledge Lane are the best for street art.Gourmet dining: Dining out is an obsession in Melbourne and the city prides itself on its food and dizzying array of dining options. Visitors should consider critically acclaimed Attica (the world’s #32 in the current World’s Top 50 Restaurants) and Vue de Monde (on the 55th floor of iconic Rialto building). In terms of bars, the Black Pearl and The Everleigh, both in bohemian Fitzroy (placed #22 and #89 in the World’s Top Bars) are worth a visit.St. Kilda and its beach: A short tram ride from the CBD will take visitors to St Kilda, Melbourne’s seaside playground. St Kilda is home to many famous visitor attractions including Luna Park, the Esplanade Hotel, Catani Gardens, Acland Street, Fitzroy Street and St Kilda beach, the city’s most famous beach.Kayaking tour along the Yarra River: Rugby fans should not miss out on the chance to see Melbourne’s Yarra River by kayak. There are a variety of tours that take visitors past Melbourne’s newest city developments and explain the history of the older ones, such as the former Customs House.

Those in need of a caffeine fix before the match begins should visit Melbourne’s coffee shops, which feature, according to many, one of the best coffees in the world – Sensory Lab, Higher Ground and Krimper are good options. After the match, Loiners can head to a rooftop bar to enjoy spectacular views over Melbourne (Transit Rooftop Bar, Siglo Bar, Goldilocks) before heading back home – luckily with the title of the best rugby league team in the world.